Vaccine records

[David R 2]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know how to get a hold of immunization records in Australia??

My childhood doctor has moved and my current GP does not have records of my shots as a baby. I have a number that I can call but I am not sure if they will have my records. I know there is a blood test you can take to see which vaccines are needed but it is expensive and I want to avoid blood tests where possible!!

Does anyone have experience in obtaining their immunizations records in Australia? Also, would it be better to get my required shots before I leave or once in the US? Any info would be really helpful.

Thanks so much.

David

[danielmalvarado 1]

Well one way or another you will either have to prove immunity or get the immunizations before you are granted your visa.

I don't remember them all, but I do remember it's MMR, DTAP, influenza

Your GP can give you a blood serum test where they test for immunity

You want this because:

1) it is MUCH cheaper than having to have unnecessary immunizations on the day of your visa medical

2) immunizations can wreak havoc on your body, so avoiding unnecessary ones is in your best interests

good luck!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

We contacted the city council and they directed us to the child health place that had a copy of my birth records, that and my mum kept my baby book! You could also try locating your childhood doctor, or whoever took over their practice as they may have your records.

A blood titre shouldn't be expensive but if you want to avoid one, you'll just have to get ALL the necessary shots all over again, which will be expensive.

[Shirezu 5]

We contacted the city council and they directed us to the child health place that had a copy of my birth records, that and my mum kept my baby book! You could also try locating your childhood doctor, or whoever took over their practice as they may have your records.

A blood titre shouldn't be expensive but if you want to avoid one, you'll just have to get ALL the necessary shots all over again, which will be expensive.

Depending on age it might not be that bad. I wasn't able to retrieve my old records but due to my age I only required DTAP and influenza. It was maybe $30 for the both.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Depending on age it might not be that bad. I wasn't able to retrieve my old records but due to my age I only required DTAP and influenza. It was maybe $30 for the both.

You also need MMR, and varicella (unless you have a history of chicken pox). It's also not only age, but medical history so it COULD end up being expensive. I suppose they need to decide which way they want to go.

[David R 2]

You also need MMR, and varicella (unless you have a history of chicken pox). It's also not only age, but medical history so it COULD end up being expensive. I suppose they need to decide which way they want to go.

Thanks guys,

I have checked and the shots I need are for MMR and chicken pox. I know I had that when I was young but I do not have records of it.

I do also have my baby book which has all the relevant information in it. Only thing is that it is all hand written. Is that what you had or was it something more offical?

Thanks so much.

David

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks guys,

I have checked and the shots I need are for MMR and chicken pox. I know I had that when I was young but I do not have records of it.

I do also have my baby book which has all the relevant information in it. Only thing is that it is all hand written. Is that what you had or was it something more offical?

Mine was all hand-written too, some were date stamps too.

You will need a history/current record of:

- tetanus (part of the tDap shot)

- diptheria (part of the tDap shot)

- acellular pertussis (part of the tDap shot)

- Measles (part of the MMR shot)

- Mumps (part of the MMR shot)

- Rubella (part of the MMR shot)

- Varicella (unless you have had chicken pox. They take your word for it)

- Influenza (depending on season)

Good luck!

[David R 2]

Mine was all hand-written too, some were date stamps too.

You will need a history/current record of:

- tetanus (part of the tDap shot)

- diptheria (part of the tDap shot)

- acellular pertussis (part of the tDap shot)

- Measles (part of the MMR shot)

- Mumps (part of the MMR shot)

- Rubella (part of the MMR shot)

- Varicella (unless you have had chicken pox. They take your word for it)

- Influenza (depending on season)

Good luck!

OK, great, You did not do any blood tests for immunity? Did you do your medical in Sydney?

Thanks so much.

David

[VanessaTony 3,567]

OK, great, You did not do any blood tests for immunity? Did you do your medical in Sydney?

Nope no blood test. and no, Melbourne.

[ecg19 7]

Out of interest, what is the cost for the immunity test?

I had the MMR vaccination only a couple years back, had chicken pox as a kid, but will need to get tetanus and influenza I guess.

I'd rather have a blood test to show my immunity to MMR and chicken pox then have them again as I remember being unwell for a few days after it!

(I live in Australia by the way, despite by NZ flag )

[riss 12]

Is there a website somewhere with details of all the requirements for the medical test? So I can find out what exactly I need to have done, and the requirements/differences based on age, etc. etc.? I don't think I'll be able to get hold of all my records either, so will probably have to have a blood test to find out which things I've already had.

Edited October 12, 2012 by riss

[Shirezu 5]

I had a look over my documents again. I definitely didn't get an MMR shot, only DTaP and flu. It didn't cause me any issues. I had chickenpox when I was young. I wasn't able to get access to any childhood records. I know I've had MMR vaccinations in the past and they are supposed to be for life. As the site says "Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition."

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Is there a website somewhere with details of all the requirements for the medical test? So I can find out what exactly I need to have done, and the requirements/differences based on age, etc. etc.? I don't think I'll be able to get hold of all my records either, so will probably have to have a blood test to find out which things I've already had.

I have a link but the shortcut is on my computer at home, and I'm at work. PM me if you still need it so I remember when I get home.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I had a look over my documents again. I definitely didn't get an MMR shot, only DTaP and flu. It didn't cause me any issues. I had chickenpox when I was young. I wasn't able to get access to any childhood records. I know I've had MMR vaccinations in the past and they are supposed to be for life. As the site says "Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition."

When you say "it didn't cause you any issues", you mean at the K1 stage. Vaccinations technically aren't required for the K1 visa itself, BUT you will need it for the AOS stage of the process.

Because you were not up to date at the K1 medical you will need to see a civil surgeon before filing for your greencard (AOS), and submit form I-693. You should only need the shots but unfortunately the way the form is worded most CS's are having people do entire new medicals, which can range from $100-$1500+ (guy I know paid $1250). Hopefully you find a good CS, and hopefully the IO processing your AOS case knows that you should be fine just with a transcription, otherwise you're in for a costly experience.

**Edit - at the very least, if you haven't left Australia yet (your timeline doesn't say you have) try and get the shot in Australia, keep proof of the shot. That should make it cheaper if you don't have to get the shot at the CS's office... if they accept that receipt as proof of shot.. some of the CS's are REAL dodgy. CONFIRM prices before you let them do anything to you, because a lot of people have been ripped off that way.

Edited October 12, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[riss 12]

I have a link but the shortcut is on my computer at home, and I'm at work. PM me if you still need it so I remember when I get home.

Ah, I found the link in someone else's post here. Thanks Vanessa.